Skylands Music Academy (SMA) was founded in 2022 to revitalize music education in Ringwood, NJ and the surrounding communities. We offer vocal and ringing ensembles for children and youth in grade 1–8. We currently serve about 50 students per semester from Ringwood, Wanaque, Haskell, West Milford, Oakland, Pompton Lakes, and Tuxedo, NY. In the coming year, we hope to further expand our reach!

SMA is a vital part of Skylands Music, which also includes an adult choir; the Skylands Chorale. Skylands Music is a secular outreach initiative of the Community Presbyterian Church of Ringwood. Ensembles are offered to the community tuition-free, meaning that there are no costs associated with participation, though donations are welcome and appreciated. By providing quality instruction and concerts at no charge, we seek to remove cost as a barrier to access. Through the Church's fiscal sponsorship, Skylands Music has 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, and charitable contributions of all sizes to SMA are fully tax-deductible. This coming year, we will be organizing group fundraising initiatives throughout the year to help offset operational costs.After-school rehearsals for children and youth ensembles take place each semester on Tuesdays over the course of 10 weeks. Each 10-week semester culminates in a final concert.

The Fall 2026 semester will begin on Tuesday, September 8 and culminates in a concert on Monday, November 23 at 7:00 PM. Please note that this is the Monday before Thanksgiving - a little earlier than in past years! The Spring 2027 semester will begin Tuesday, January 26 and culminates in a concert on Monday, April 19 at 7:00 PM. Skylands Music Academy follows the Ringwood Board of Ed schedule for days off and snow emergencies. As such, please note that there will be no rehearsals on the following dates: 11/3, 2/16, and 3/30.

Attendance Policy: Performing in a music ensemble is a team activity – it’s more than just learning the notes! To achieve excellence in performance, consistent attendance is key. With such brief rehearsal periods, students are expected to attend all rehearsals. In order to participate in the concerts, students should not exceed two absences per semester.

Please submit one registration form per student, and note that registration is for both the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters. If a student can only participate in one of the two semesters, please specify that in the Notes section at the bottom of the form. For our ensembles with limited space, priority may be given to students who can participate in both semesters.

Skylands Children's Chime Choir (Grades 1–3) *Space is limited

Tuesdays, 3:45pm–4:15pm

Skylands Children's Choir (Grades 1–3)

Tuesdays, 4:15pm–4:45pm

Skylands Youth Choir (Grades 4–8)

Tuesdays, 5:00pm–5:45pm

Skylands Youth Handbell Choir (Grades 4–8) *ONE SPOT LEFT!